AGW Welder Journeyperson

Matrix Service; Anacortes (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

Matrix Service is seeking an AGW Welder to set up, operate, and maintain Automatic Girth Welding systems on aboveground storage tanks. This role requires reading WPS, following API 650/653 and AWS standards, and collaborating with fitters, inspectors, and quality personnel to ensure code-compliant tank construction.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of industrial welding experience, 1–3 years with AGW/automated welding, and the ability to travel to remote project sites, work lifting up to 50

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of industrial welding experience.
• 1–3 years AGW or automated welding system experience.
• Extensive API 650 tank construction experience.
• Ability to read and interpret welding drawings and symbols.
• Must be able to pass project-specific welding qualification tests.
• Willingness to travel to remote project locations.

Responsibilities

• Operate automatic welding systems using FCAW or GMAW as specified.
• Verify weld quality through visual inspection during welding operations.
• Read welding procedures, construction drawings, weld maps and fabrication specs.
• Set up, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot AGW equipment for tank shell welding.
• Coordinate with fitters and erection crews to maintain production schedules.
• Maintain welding heads, wire feeders, control panels and track systems.

Skills

FCAW

GMAW

SMAW

Read weld symbols

Welding drawings

WPS interpretation

Quality inspection

Education

NCCER Welding Certification

Tools

AGW welding system

Welding automation

FCAW equipment

GMAW equipment

Job description

Job Summary

The AGW Welder is responsible for the setup, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of Automatic Girth Welding (AGW) equipment used in the construction, repair, and modification of aboveground storage tanks. The role involves welding horizontal shell seams and other designated joints using automated welding systems in accordance with approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), project requirements, and applicable industry codes including API 650, API 653, and AWS standards. The AGW Welder works closely with fitters, welding foremen, inspectors, and quality personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and code-compliant tank construction.

Job Functions

• Actively supports the Company's commitment to safety and its "Core Values."
• Represents the Company at all times with high moral standards while adhering to the Company's "Code of Business Conduct and Ethics."
• Operate automatic welding systems using FCAW or GMAW processes as specified.
• Verify weld quality through visual inspection throughout welding operations.
• Ensure compliance with approved WPS requirements.
• Monitors preheat and interpass temperatures when required.
• Perform start-stop repairs and defect corrections.
• Assemble and position AGW equipment on tank shell courses.
• Maintain welding heads, wire feeders, control panels, and track systems.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Set up, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot AGW equipment used for tank shell welding.
• Perform automatic welding of shell-to-shell circumferential joints on aboveground storage tanks.
• Verify joint preparation, fit-up, alignment, and bevel configuration prior to welding.
• Ensure welding parameters including voltage, amperage, travel speed, oscillation, and wire feed speed are properly established and maintained.
• Monitor welding operations to ensure weld quality and productivity objectives are achieved.
• Read and interpret welding procedures, construction drawings, weld maps, and fabrication specifications.
• Perform weld repairs as directed by Quality Control personnel.
• Coordinate with fitters and erection crews to maintain production schedules.
• Conduct pre-operation equipment inspections and routine maintenance.
• Support troubleshooting and perform minor equipment repairs.
• Maintain accurate welding documentation and production records.
• Support non-destructive examination (NDE) activities including RT, UT, MT, and PT inspections.
• Follow all company, client, and regulatory safety requirements.
• Participate in Job Hazard Analyses (JHA), toolbox meetings, and safety training activities.
• Perform all other job-related duties as requested by supervision.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of industrial welding experience.
• Minimum 1-3 years of AGW or automated welding system experience.
• Demonstrated experience in aboveground storage tank construction.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and welding symbols.
• Knowledge of welding processes including FCAW, GMAW, and SMAW.
• Ability to pass project-specific welding qualification tests.
• Valid welder qualification tests for applicable welding processes.
• Ability to read and understand welding symbols and fabrication drawings.
• Extensive API 650 tank construction experience.
• API 653 tank repair and alteration experience.
• NCCER Welding Certification is preferred.
• Experience with automated tank shell welding systems.
• Prior experience on large field-erected storage tank projects.
• Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces.
• Ability to travel and work extended shifts, overtime, weekends, and remote project locations as required.
• Must have a positive outlook; willing to work as a team and independently.
• Must possess hard work ethic and willingness to learn new things.

Physical Requirements

• Project site environment - may be frequently exposed to cold, wet, humid, and hot weather conditions. Heavy winds, strong smells, and vibration are also factors on project sites.
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee is occasionally required to sit.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination and ability to maintain balance.
• Must be able to climb ladders.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, and stooping.
• Use of hand tools such as hammers, knives or wrenches.
• Visual ability to include color vision and depth perception.
• Work may include pushing, pulling, lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds, such as raw or fabricated material, equipment or tools.
• Must perform all duties while wearing protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety-toed boots, hard hat, and gloves.

Washington law requires pay information in job postings. The typical hiring range for this position in Washington is shown below. The pay rate will depend on the successful candidate's qualifications and prior experience, specific skill set, geographic location, internal equity, and other factors influencing pay. As such, the actual salary may fall closer to one or the other end of this range, and in certain circumstances, may fall outside the listed hiring range.

Hiring range: $53.00 to $62.00 per hour

In addition, full-time employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, disability benefits, life and AD&D insurance, an employee assistance program (EAP), a 401(k) plan with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), a robust wellness program and adoption assistance.

At Matrix, we are dedicated to building a culture of engagement, respect, collaboration and teamwork.

EEO/M/F/Disability/Vets Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristic or category.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.